Why is it in the news?

• The Food Safety department issued an order regarding the use of liquid nitrogen for preserving food due to safety concerns associated with its consumption.

More about the news

• Liquid nitrogen, being the liquefied form of nitrogen, is used for freezing, chilling, and packing food to extend its shelf life.
• Concerns raised by experts include potential health hazards such as organ scorching resembling frostbite, damage to body parts like the lips, tongue, throat, lungs, and stomach, which can lead to lesions or tissue burns, as well as risks of stomach perforation and CO2 inhalation.
• The Food Safety Department directed Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers to enforce regulations against Food Business Operators using liquid nitrogen directly with food items like biscuits, ice creams, and wafer biscuits.
• It is mandated that liquid nitrogen must be completely evaporated from food or drinks before they are served to mitigate the associated risks to consumers’ health.